C.W. Post Pioneer Football Player Receives Durrell Pearsall Scholarship

Brookville, N.Y. – C.W. Post student-athlete Justin Wayne of Bellport has been honored with the Durrell "Bronko" Pearsall Scholarship for his outstanding contributions to the Pioneers football team of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University.

From left: Bryan Collins, head C.W. Post football coach and director of athletics; Dr. Joseph Shenker, Provost; George Sandas, former deputy chief of the Hempstead Fire Department; Justin Wayne, Durrell "Bronko" Pearsall Scholarship recipient; and member of the Hempstead Fire Department.

Wayne, a senior education major who has started as center since his freshman debut in a Pioneer uniform, received the award at the October 20, 2006 game against American International College. He was selected for the scholarship because he is considered the "unsung hero" of his team and has met the award’s criteria, which include a 3.0 or better grade point average and demonstrated leadership skills and dedication on and off the playing field.

On hand to make the presentation were nine uniform members of the Hempstead Fire Department, who were integral in establishing the scholarship for their fallen friend, Durrell "Bronko" Pearsall. A 1992 graduate of C.W. Post and a star football player during his tenure with the school, Pearsall died in the line of duty on September 11, 2001, as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center. He was a member of the New York Fire Department, Rescue 4, as well as a volunteer with the Hempstead Fire Department.

To honor their comrade’s memory, Pearsall’s fellow volunteer firefighters have worked tirelessly in the years since his death to establish and endow the scholarship. The firefighters have hosted several events to raise funds for the scholarship, including a bike-a-thon and golf outingJust last month, their annual "Bronktoberfest" drew approximately 180 people to a Baldwin tavern - Bronko’s Pub - named for their beloved friend.

Anyone interested in contributing to the award should contact Lisa L. Mulvey, C.W. Post’s Senior Director of Development, at (516) 299-2263 or via e-mail lisa.mulvey@liu.edu.

Posted: November 13, 2006